Ka Ying Rising was the first foal bred by Fraser and Erin Auret from Missy Moo, a Per Incanto mare bought for just NZ$500 as a yearling. Fraser trained her to win five races and finish fourth in the Group 3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes, but believed arthritis had prevented her from showing her full ability. Encouraged by Windsor Park’s Rodney Schick, he retained her for breeding and chose Shamexpress, winner of the Newmarket Handicap, for her first mating.

Raised under the Aurets’ Grandmoral Lodge banner, the resulting colt was nicknamed Rocket by their children. Missy Moo produced only one further foal, the Turn Me Loose gelding Ka Ying Glory, before deteriorating hip problems led to her being euthanised. Both sons eventually joined David Hayes in Hong Kong, giving her brief breeding career a lasting connection to the same stable.

Ka Ying Rising did not pass through a public yearling auction. Initially named Mr Express, he was developed by Auret and sold privately after showing promise at the jumpouts, in a deal brokered by Mike Marais. His route to Hong Kong included a spell with the Hayes brothers at Lindsay Park in Victoria.

A three-length barrier-trial victory at Moe in June 2023 convinced the Australian team that he was ready for Hong Kong. He arrived there the following month, joining David Hayes and racing for the Ka Ying Syndicate.

Ka Ying Rising won his debut over 1200 metres at Sha Tin on 3 December 2023, scoring by 2¾ lengths under Zac Purton. Promotion to Class 3 brought two narrow defeats by Wunderbar in January, first by a nose and then a short head. Those early reversals would become the only interruptions to his winning record.

He returned to winning form on 12 February, then added Class 3 and Class 2 victories in March and May. His first attempt at Group level came in the Sha Tin Vase on 2 June. With Karis Teetan taking over at the light weight, he defeated Flying Ace to win the Group 3 sprint and closed his first season as Hong Kong’s Champion Griffin.

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